Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat II
July 16, 2008
Lesson 2: The Profile of a Water-Walker
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Summer Lesson Series
WestBroad Church of Christ
July 16 and 20, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
We saw in our first discussion that walking on water is a difficult task, but water-walking always has positive benefits. But that leads us to another question: What are the specifics of those who would walk on water? What are their traits and characteristics? We will see.
I. Water-Walkers Recognize the Presence of God
Can we trust that Jesus is near?
· A clue from Mark
· A “truth in the text”
· Mark’s message
· An illustration for us
Question: Think of yourself. Are you like the eleven disciples, or do you recognize the presence of God during your storms? How do you know?
II. Water-Walkers Determine Faith from Foolishness
God calls us to get out of the boat and move from our places of comfort, but that move must be based on discipleship, not desire.
III. Water-Walkers Do Not Stay in the Boat
In view of the danger, common sense dictated that Peter stay in the boat.
· Results of Peter’s decision;
· Considering other “boaters”
Question: What is your boat? What keeps you from embracing the extreme adventure called Jesus Christ?
IV. Water-Walkers Are Sometimes Distracted
Is it possible to look at our situation and see more than we should? Question: Can you relate to Peter? Have you ever experienced a crisis moment when you “saw the wind?” What happened? What do you wish had happened?
· A focus on fear;
· Seeking safe or spectacular;
· The Master’s response
V. Water-Walkers Practice Failure Management
Question: Have you succeeded at everything you’ve ever tried? How did you respond when you failed?
· A focus on failure;
· Questions from history;
· A new perspective on failure
· Hillary’s heart.
What do we see? Failure does not shape us; how we respond to failure does.
Conclusion and Challenge
Persons who would walk on water develop certain attributes that “go against” natural human inclinations. It could be argued that we would be better to forget these attributes and stay in the boat – except for one thing: the water is where Jesus is. The question becomes, are you going to join him?
